Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 10-14, 2022. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more autumn inspiration you can check our OCTOBER FAMILY GUIDE, the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FALL FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids – satisfaction guaranteed (or close to it!)
"BEST OF" The Twin Cities: October
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Monday, October 10, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON MONDAY:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off either FREE or at a low cost to you.
See our full list of Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms this fall!
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FEATURED TOT TIME! MILLZ HOUSE OPEN PLAY
14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Cost is $6/child; parents and babies under 18 months free. Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & St Francis branch libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen branch library.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS FOR MONDAY:
Family Farm Hikes at Gale Woods Farm
7210 County Rd 110 W, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Meet the farm animals, help with farm and garden chores and take a fall hike to explore the grounds. Designed for preschool-aged kids. Reserve space 2 days prior. October 10, 2022, $6/pp.
FREE STORY & ART TIME AT EDEN PRAIRIE ART CENTER
Staring Lake Park Building, Eden Prairie, MN
Drop in for storytime & an art project. Ages 2-6 years. October 10, 2022, 10-11am. FREE.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON TUESDAY:
The start of fall means open season for a new round of Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities. A saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when playground season has come to an end.
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FEATURED TOT TIME! BLAST AND PLAY
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Blast & Play Tot Time includes admission to the space-themed Blast Indoor Playground and the community center gym for open play with equipment provided. October 11, 2022, 9am-12pm. $5/child.
The Blast Indoor Playground
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Hastings Pleasant Hill & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Central & Northeast Library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
SPECIAL FEATURE! Theater Explorers Storytime at George Latimer Central Library
90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul MN 55102
Teaching artists from Steppingstone Theatre for Youth provide stories, songs and play and art stations to explore independently. October 11, 2022, 10-11:30am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Fire Prevention WEek
Minnetonka Fire Department Open House
Central Fire Station, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
Go on a fire truck ride, explore the Central Fire Station and view interactive demonstrations. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022; drop in between 5-8 pm. FREE.
WHERE CAN I SEE A FIRE TRUCK? FIND MORE FIRE PREVENTION WEEK ACTIVITIES.
Bonus family fun ideas for Tuesday:
BALLET TUESDAYS AT LANDMARK CENTER
75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN 55102
Join the Saint Paul Ballet as they perform excerpts from the company repertoire. It’s the perfect sample outing for budding ballerinas. While you’re at Landmark Center, stop in and play with the instruments in the SCHUBERT CLUB MUSIC MUSEUM. An entire afternoon of free fun for young ones! October 11, 2022, 12pm.
MALL OF AMERICA TODDLER TUESDAYS
This week features Baking Betty’s. Meet at the Rotunda. Plus, on Toddler Tuesdays you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe for just $15 and kids eat free at participating restaurants w/ purchase of an adult meal. October 11, 2022, 11am-12pm.
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
Fun Things to do in the Twin cities on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON WEDNESDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $6/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FEATURED OPEN GYM! GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS OPEN GYMS
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
So flipping fun! This used to be a family go-to when the cold set in and my kids needed to get their wiggles out. Yours will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment. Register in advance for a discount. And hey, teens and tweens! There’s an open gym for you, too. October 12, 2022. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $8/child; $10/family ($10/$15 at the door).
Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnsville Burnhaven, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Minneapolis Webber Park & Minnetonka branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: North St Paul branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
SPECIAL FEATURE! storytime at RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
We love to feature independent bookshops and encourage you to explore and support them. Red Balloon offers baby & toddler storytime each Wednesday. Get there early for the best seating! October 12, 2022, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday:
Discover a new nature playground
While we still can savor the autumn afternoons! This will likely be our final share of nature playgrounds until well after the spring thaw, so we’re choosing to go with the best: DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAY AREA within the TAMARACK NATURE CENTER property. This natural playground has been designed with all the elements kids crave: fallen logs and stumps to balance on, sticks to build forts, beautifully-engineered and arranged boulders to clamber over and a sufficient amount of sand and water to keep them entertained for hours. 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110.
Find more twin cities nature playgrounds to visit this fall!
Twin Cities Halloween Event:
EPC KIDS: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Join a costume parade, make seasonal crafts, and dance. Play beanbag toss at Auntie Anne’s and find $5 Kids Meals at select restaurants. October 12, 2022, 10am-11:30am. FREE.
Get excited for Halloween in the Twin Cities with our Ultimate Guide to Halloween Fun!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, October 13, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYM ON THURSDAYS:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown libraries, Circle Pines Centennial & St Francis Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Inver Hills Inver Glen, Rosemount Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Edina, Maple Grove, Minneapolis Hosmer & Wayzata branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton & Roseville branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Sunray branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Fire Prevention WEek
Burnsville Fire Department Open House
Fire Station No. 1, 1427t Newton Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Tour fire engines and ambulances, meet firefighters and learn how to create an escape plan for your home. Thursday, Oct. 13; 5:30-7:30pm. FREE.
MORE Family fun ideas for Thursday: Halloween Event
MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE PARK HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA / ADAMS FAMILY
George Green Park, 1498 S 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks for Hotel Transylvania in the park. October 13, 2022, 6:30-9:30pm. FREE.
Fun things to do in the Twin cities on Friday, October 14, 2022
TOT TIME OPEN GYMS ON FRIDAY:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $6/pp)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $8/child or $10/family)
- EAGAN – ROCKIN JUMP JUNIOR JUMPERS (2-hr sessions starting at 9 & 10am. $12/child plus $3 re-useable jump socks.)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Featured Open Gym! IGM GYMNASTICS Preschool open gym
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
This is a special Open Gym time reserved just for kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Work out wiggles on the trampolines, balance beams, obstacle courses and foam pit. No need to pre-register for open gyms. October 14, 2022, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown & Fridley Mississippi libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Minneapolis Penn Lake & Walker branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: White Bear Lake branch library.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
Special feature! Meet A Fire Truck
White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota 55110
This story time will feature the White Bear Lake Fire Department. Kids can meet a firefighter, explore a fire truck and learn about fire safety. Best for ages 2-5. October 14, 2022, 10:30am-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday:
VISIT A TWIN CITIES Pumpkin Patch
28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming, MN 55092
Today might just be it to hit up one of these Twin Cities pumpkin patches before Halloween. And even if you’re not in the market for a jack-o-lantern, these patches are crammed full of fall fun. This week our featured patch is PINEHAVEN FARM in Wyoming, Minnesota. Included in admission are a bundle of activities: playground equipment, mazes, all-terrain trikes, trolley rides and the jumping pillow. Read about our visit to Pinehaven Farm with kids here.
Explore our huge list of the best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches!
More family fun ideas for Friday: Nature Play & Apples
Nature Playdate at Dodge Nature Center: A Is for Apple
1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118 – farm entrance
Help harvest apples in the orchard for the farm animals and make some into apple cider. If you can’t make it to the program, the nature center property includes a working farm that is free and open to the public to observe from the trails. Pre-registration required. October 14, 10-11am, $10/child. LEARN MORE ABOUT DODGE NATURE CENTER, FIND PICTURES & ACTIVITIES.
There’s still time to visit a Twin Cities Apple Orchard
For the most part we’ve moved on to the pumpkin phase of fall, but many orchards are still open for pick-your-own apples and other activities. Check our big list of the best orchards in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro to see the possibilities. FERGUSON’S MINNESOTA HARVEST APPLE ORCHARD is still beckoning in the southwest metro. Admission is pricier than some orchards ($15/pp) but includes a TON of activities and a free season pass if you’d like to return. 8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN 55352.
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 15-16, 2022
Too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that. So we publish a separate guide each weekend with up-to-the-last-minute ideas for spending family time together. Here’s a sneak peek of what to look forward to this weekend in the Twin Cities:
- EAGAN: CAPONI ART PARK LEAF FEST
- EDEN PRAIRIE: HARVEST TO HALLOWEEN AT THE BARN
- LINO LAKES: WARGO NATURE CENTER FALL FESTIVAL
- MINNEAPOLIS: FREE INK DAY AT HIGHPOINT CENTER FOR PRINTMAKING
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!